Victoria Protester Climbs Atop Traffic Lights Pole Calling for Safe Drug Supply

A protester apparently answering to the name Jessica climbed atop a traffic lights pole at the corner of Pandora and Blanshard shortly before 5PM, unfurling a banner reading “TOXIC DRUG DEATH IS PREVENTABLE” and “PROVIDE SAFE SUPPLY”.

It would seem the protester improvised a foothold with a noose in order to climb the structure.

Police quickly cordoned the area and called upon the intervention of the firefighters, who performed a spectacular rescue using a lift crane. For a crucial moment during the rescue the officers could be heard calling upon Jessica to wake up, which had bystanders fearing for the person’s safety. But the firefighters were indeed able to safely bring Jessica down, who was then allowed to sit on a chair for a moment.

For once I would commend the work of the police officers on site, who seemed to genuinely care for the protester’s safety. They could even be heard saying: “Don’t worry about the sign, we’ll take it down.”

It is unknown whether the act was performed on behalf of an organisation.